Evidence supporting the use of: Slippery Elm
For the health condition: Glands (swollen lymph)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Slippery elm (Ulmus rubra) has a well-established history of use in North American traditional herbal medicine, particularly among Indigenous peoples and early settlers. It is most commonly used for soothing sore throats, coughs, and digestive complaints due to its demulcent (soothing, mucilage-rich) properties. In traditional practice, slippery elm has sometimes been included in remedies intended to "soothe glands" or support "swollen glands," which typically refers to enlarged lymph nodes during infections or inflammation. However, this use is based largely on the general soothing and anti-inflammatory reputation of the herb rather than on specific targeting of the lymphatic system. No robust scientific studies have been conducted to validate slippery elm’s efficacy specifically for treating swollen lymph nodes or supporting glandular health. Most available evidence is anecdotal or based on historical herbal texts. In summary, the use of slippery elm for swollen glands is rooted in tradition, not in scientific validation, and the evidence supporting this particular use is very weak.
Other ingredients used for Glands (swollen lymph)
betelIndian frankincense
bovine
burdock
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
dog rose
echinacea purpurea
elderberry
fu ling
goldenseal
onion
horseradish
honeysuckle
Japanese sophora
licorice root
spruce
oregon grape
phellodendron amurense
platycodon root
reishi mushroom
schizonepeta
scrophularia root
serratiopeptidase
slippery elm bark
chickweed
Indian bael
ferula assafoetida
punarnava
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
rubia cordifolia
swertia
peony
goldenrod
myrrh
fern
sweet flag
oriental arborvitae
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
sheep's sorrel
eucalyptus
cleavers
paw paw
white oak
geranium
Aralia
Avens
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Allicin
Achyranthes
Anamu
Abrus
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Agrimonia pilosa
Abuta
Amor seco
Arisaema
Bee Propolis
Betony
Baikal Skullcap
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Banyan
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Black root
Bupleurum
Borneol
Chinese Silkvine
Calendula
Calotropis gigantea
Cynomorium
Cinquefoil
Cyathula
Cajuput
Centipeda
cypress
Cynodon dactylon
Costus
Collinsonia
Castor Oil
Celosia
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
Devil's Club
Dichrostachys glomerata
Dipsacus
European Elder
Elephant's Head
Goldthread
Garlic
Galangal
Little ironweed
Mustard
Mallow
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by Slippery Elm
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anal Fistula or Fissure
Appetite (deficient)
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Colitis
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cuts
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Diverticulitis
Duodenal Ulcers
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Emphysema
Enteritis
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glands (swollen lymph)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Injuries
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Itching
Itching (rectal)
Laryngitis
Leaky Gut Syndrome
Leucorrhea
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis